James R. Messer

James Rufus Messer, 93, of Antigo died December 18 at his home under the care of his family. Mr. Messer was born August 29, 1916 to the late Robert and Ida (Boyd) Messer at a logging camp north of Four Corners; the first of their children born here after moving to the area from Kentucky.On July 10, 1937 he married Florence Maddix at Four Corners Assembly of God Church in White Lake. She survives.Mr. Messer was a carpenter, building cabinets and furniture working with his sons and other family members through J R Messer & Sons Home Improvements. He lived and worked in Kenosha from 1959 to 1984 when he returned to Antigo and he continued doing carpentry. He also worked in the ministry throughout his life and was an ordained minister. He was founder of the New Life Central Fellowship Church. He had a great passion for the Lord, his family and music. He loved the scriptures, his children and his grandchildren. He was particularly fond of Blue Grass Music.Mr. Messer is survived by his wife, a daughter, Carol Messer Spencer, Antigo and a son, Rev. Monroe Ervin (Ardith) Messer, Antigo; 10 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren; a sister, Lyda Mae (Ray) Davis, Antigo and brothers, Chester (Jessie) Messer, Antigo, Curtis Messer, Antigo and Virgil (Mary) Messer, Lake Havasu City, AZ.His parents, sons, Carl James and Maarvin; a sister, Esther Messer and brothers, Carl James, Marvin, Jess, Arlie, Estil, Clifford, Paul and Cletus, precede him in death.A funeral service will be Tuesday, December 22 at New Life Central Fellowship Church, Antigo at 11:00 a.m. The Rev. Monroe Ervin Messer and Bishop Herman G. Spencer will officiate. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery.Visitation will be at the Strasser-Roller Funeral Home Monday, December 21 from 4:30 to 8:00 p.m. and Tuesday from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the church.A memorial will be established in his name for New Life Central Fellowship Church.